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Pamela Merritt

Recent Blog Posts

Downtown Lake Placid combines the charm of an alpine village with pedestrian-friendly dining and shopping. This is also where a large selection of resort hotels can be found.
The all-in-one ease of on-site dining and activities can have a powerful pull. Here's five fine choices.
All about nature
Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort was the the first resort in the U.S. to receive the Audubon International’s Platinum Eco Rating for Hotels, and is still only one of six in the nation to receive this recognition. Their love of the outdoors shows in the decor, the farm-to-table choices in their dining,... continue reading

It can be a source of worry when you want to come to the Adirondacks to see the leaves turn in autumn. "When is it peak time? Can I arrange to get there at the right time? What if I miss it? What if it's over?"
Relax.
Thanks to the many changes in elevation, from the height of our 46ers to the sea level of Lake Champlain, we have abundant differences in our microclimates. This means there are multiple fall color peaks. They are scattered over different places, with as much as two weeks difference in the foliage status, all within a short travel time from your base in Lake Placid.
You are... continue reading

It can seem funny to think of "beating the crowds" when it comes to hiking in the many forests and mountains of the Adirondacks. But, while there are plenty of trails to go around, certain mountains turn out to be riding a surge of popularity. As a result, they actually get a bit crowded.
Starting last year, a new system coordinating safe parking, a shuttle service, and a choice of activities was put in place for Columbus Day holiday weekend. So everyone can choose their own adventure.
The Cascade Mountain Trail
It is the popularity of Cascade Mountain which led to an evaluation of the... continue reading

Lake Placid's downtown is a mix of lodging, dining, and shopping. While there are plenty of themed and souvenir shops, there are also cute boutiques and specialty clothes shops. They can add a touch of Adirondack flair to any wardrobe, in any season.
Classic
The members of high society who summered in the Adirodnacks during the Gilded Age had an influence on fashion. They were at the forefront of a trend for outdoors life and wearing casual clothes during hiking and canoeing. Winter resorts, like the Lake Placid Club, sparked a craze for skiing, tobogganing, and sledding, and outdoors wear... continue reading

What if you come to the Adirondacks for the great outdoors, and the weather isn't cooperating? You can discover our great indoors. It's equally Adirondack.
Because the Adirondack way is: don't let the weather get in your way.
Indoor/outdoor
A visit to the Olympic Sports Complex has a lot of flexibility. From inside you'll be able to watch the sleds start. There's also a bus tour of the complex. Enjoy it in any weather.
Another is the Olympic Center itself, home of the Herb Brooks area—and much more—like the Olympic Museum. I always suggest visitors start on the second floor (elevators... continue reading

It's a special time of year in the Adirondacks. Maple time.
It's only in a small slice of North America, in early spring, that you can experience the sights, scents, and tastes of real maple syrup as it goes from tree to pancake. The specific climate of chilly nights and sunny warm days gets the sap running: both for the sugar maples, and the people. That is one of the appeals of our annual Maple Weekends, which are the second and third weekends of March.
Sugarhouse steam
Come smell the intoxicating sugary steam from the boiler vat in the sugarhouse. It scents the air nearby, but the... continue reading

Skiing is wonderful. It's common to see small children happily taking turns down the slopes, and this can form the basis for a ski-loving companion to think "anyone can do it." But it's not for everyone.
There are plenty of good reasons you might not want to join your downhill-loving clan at the moment. At the same time, you don't want to spoil anyone's fun.
Wave farewell as they catch the shuttle bus to the mountain, and discover your own way to have fun in the snow. Here are some ideas.
A different slope
Nordic skiing is about skiing on the flat instead of a slope. You can choose from... continue reading

Valentine's Day, when a person's thoughts turn to declarations of love. Part of the plan might be crafting an amazing, memorable, story-we'll-tell-together proposal scenario.
If you are wanting to "pop the question," here are some four-season tips for planning that Perfect Day in Lake Placid.
The style
Traditionally, it's a man who proposes to a woman. But you don't have to fit that particular mold. The Adirondacks have always welcomed pioneers.
While Valentine's Day is mid-February, and one would think it's a popular time to get engaged... you would be wrong. It's actually Christmas Eve... continue reading

I'm not saying call in sick when you aren't sick. I am saying that taking time off on work days has pleasant surprises. From less stress to saving money, consider the midweek advantages.
Leisurely mornings
A midweek visit to Lake Placid feels like having the place to yourself. Embrace that feeling first thing in the morning! Get coffee to go and head to Mid's Park, located in the middle of downtown. It's the perfect vantage point for watching the morning light spread over the High Peaks. After the sunrise show, a short walk will bring you to a variety of cafes and restaurants. Browse the... continue reading

Everyone has a picture in their head of that delightful "cabin in the woods." This is a wonderful choice for a classic Adirondack experience, whether you are thinking of a couple's getaway that is all about the skiing and snuggling, or seeking a family adventure, with snowshoeing and s'mores around a firepit.
Considering a cabin also contains more options than you might think. Just as everyone has their own favorite candy choice when presented with a chocolate sampler, our range of possible cabins offers a lot of variety.
Here are a few to consider.
Your own forest
Head to Van Hoevenberg... continue reading